crested or peking

[sandy sea]

iS A WHITE CRESTED DUCK JUST A PEKINg or is it a whole breed of it's own? I have two pekings now. would it be ok to add a crested to the group?

 

[duckyfromoz]

All breeds of ducks can be crested. It is a genetic mutation. It would be ok to add a crested - but some things to consider... 1. Get a male rather than a female. The crest can kind of be used as a " handle" during mating if the female is crested. The crest is formed by a hole in the skull- so it is something to think about, also- remember that a double dose of the crested gene results in greatly reduced hatches because up to half the duckling will die because of the genetic trait. Crested ducks are gorgeous. I have a single male of breeding age in my flock. I have some young ones hatched and am trying to decide if I should keep one of the babies rather than the drake.. So hard to choose when they are all so cute, but I will only keep one on my flock.